It's amazing how clueless or negligent the delivery people can be. When I got my TV yesterday, the lone person delivering it wanted to stand the box on one end for it to fit the small trolley he had. When I objected, he said it really should not cause the TV any damage. So I then pointed to the instructions clearly depicted on the box saying the box should NOT be transported standing on one end. His reply was: hummm, so what do you want me to do? I said I'll help you carry the TV inside, with the up side up which is the only way the box should be stored and transported... Unbelievable!

Transporting the TV on-end using a dolly would not have caused any problems. I agree though, that these company's need to start sending out 2 delivery guys. It is not acceptable to me that I would need to help carry in my TV that is supposed to be delivered for free. If I wanted to help, I'd just pick it up myself.

Though I am an employee of Magnolia Home Theater, the views and opinions I express on this forum are those of my own and not my employer.

Are there actually any 65" ZT60's left at Best Buy locations outside of Texas? Just curious. Are people still seeing them in other BB distribution areas? I know in Texas they are showing as out stock to the best of my knowledge. You can try to add them to your cart for in-store pickup but as soon as you try to check out it shows as unavailable.

Are people just checking inventory using bestbuy.com, or are stores actually telling you that they can't get any inventory? 65ZT should still be available.

Though I am an employee of Magnolia Home Theater, the views and opinions I express on this forum are those of my own and not my employer.

The Best Buy I went to, the Magnolia rep said that they were out except for the open box and they couldn't order it in. When I called the number for a different store, they said no stores in the area had it in stock, but they could have it shipped to the store.

The Best Buy I went to, the Magnolia rep said that they were out except for the open box and they couldn't order it in. When I called the number for a different store, they said no stores in the area had it in stock, but they could have it shipped to the store.

Checked in NY - ordered 2 and went to the point where I was picking a delivery date

Paul's is playing inventory games (or they got in another small batch), 21 available so grab 'em up if you can stomach Paul's.

FWIW, I used Paul's at the end of November for my 65tz60. The delivery person was alone (white glove??), so I had to help. I wouldn't expect much from the delivery but... The TV was an October build and so far there have been no issues (Fans, buzzing) and there was no damage to the TV.

When the price dropped to $2799, I contacted Pauls and received a $100.00 refund.

I know others have had some issues with Pauls, but my experience was fine.

This is exactly why VT/ZT models require you to log-in. There are a few different dispositions that manufacturers can specify in their pricing policies. Also, just to clarify, these are not "contracts" with dealers, as dealers cannot explicitly agree to them, legally. It is simply a policy that the manufacturers provide to the dealers. They can choose whether or not to follow it, knowing the consequences of not doing so.

Click to see price: This, as the name implies only requires you to click once, where a pop-up comes up to show you the price.

In-cart pricing: This only requires you to have it in your cart to show the price, which does not require that you log in, or have an account.

In-checkout pricing: This requires you to actually be in the checkout process, which requires that you have an account, in order to see the price. Some manufacturers even explicitly call out in said policies that a customer must log in to their account before seeing the price. (This is the case with VT/ZT/WT specifically)

UMRP pricing supersedes all of these and dictates that even in-checkout you cannot go below a certain price.

FWIW, retailers would actually prefer NOT to require any of this, as it actually has proven to inconvenience customers and cut down on conversion. This is especially true if their log in process is not as smooth as Amazon's.

Hope this helps!

And here's one more policy that absolutely drives me crazy. Mainly because it makes it hard for the little guy to compete and Panasonic doesn't enforce it very well. As a small Panasonic reseller (in comparison to some of the stores mentioned here) I'm not even allowed to show an "add to cart" button next to the VT60 & ZT60 models online. Instead of an "add to cart" button I have to show something else like an "authorized" buttton. I have to remove all ability for the customer to check out with these models. I can still sell the item to the customer but they have to either call our 800# or come in. Now if it's an ST60 or below, as long as I follow Minimum Advertised Pricing, I'm ok and can let people check out through my standard online cart. So if you are seeing a small store (someone other than Amazon, Best Buy, Abt, etc) sell these items online and allow you to checkout with them they are probably not an "authorized" Panasonic reseller. If they were, and were getting their product through approved channels, they would not be selling the VT60 or ZT60 models online. Panasonic would remove their ability to purchase the product.

Yea I feel your pain. I had the same issue in a completely different business. It's ********. I understand the policies and even like them, but if they won't have the teeth to enforce them on the big boys then that's BS.

For those of us still awaiting delivery - mine comes next Tuesday - it seems that, in the event of issues, it will not be possible to exchange for a new set. Any replacement would be someone else's return. Is that correct?

Question for Speakerphile if he's reading: I purchased my set online from BestBuy.com on 1/1/2014. Is my specific set selected at that time, or does that occur on delivery day? Where does the set come from?

And here's one more policy that absolutely drives me crazy. Mainly because it makes it hard for the little guy to compete and Panasonic doesn't enforce it very well. As a small Panasonic reseller (in comparison to some of the stores mentioned here) I'm not even allowed to show an "add to cart" button next to the VT60 & ZT60 models online. Instead of an "add to cart" button I have to show something else like an "authorized" buttton. I have to remove all ability for the customer to check out with these models. I can still sell the item to the customer but they have to either call our 800# or come in. Now if it's an ST60 or below, as long as I follow Minimum Advertised Pricing, I'm ok and can let people check out through my standard online cart. So if you are seeing a small store (someone other than Amazon, Best Buy, Abt, etc) sell these items online and allow you to checkout with them they are probably not an "authorized" Panasonic reseller. If they were, and were getting their product through approved channels, they would not be selling the VT60 or ZT60 models online. Panasonic would remove their ability to purchase the product.

Best Buy and Amazon are not violating any policies by selling these online. ZT was restricted from online sales early on, but that has long since expired. So this isn't a matter of lack of policy enforcement. Are you saying Panasonic is telling you specifically that you cannot transact online, or that your cart system does not meet the requirements set forth in the MAP policy?

Though I am an employee of Magnolia Home Theater, the views and opinions I express on this forum are those of my own and not my employer.

For those of us still awaiting delivery - mine comes next Tuesday - it seems that, in the event of issues, it will not be possible to exchange for a new set. Any replacement would be someone else's return. Is that correct?

Question for Speakerphile if he's reading: I purchased my set online from BestBuy.com on 1/1/2014. Is my specific set selected at that time, or does that occur on delivery day? Where does the set come from?

The TV will likely come from a DDC(Warehouse). They are typically picked when the order comes through and staged for delivery. In the event of a DOA set you should still have time to acquire a replacement. These won't be completely gone by then. Most of the people that have been thinking these are running out have been basing that on the store inventory tool on the web site. The inventory for these is typically housed in warehouses and will not show up in this tool. You have to talk to a TV salesperson that can use the in-store ordering system to check availability.

Hope this helps.

Though I am an employee of Magnolia Home Theater, the views and opinions I express on this forum are those of my own and not my employer.

And here's one more policy that absolutely drives me crazy. Mainly because it makes it hard for the little guy to compete and Panasonic doesn't enforce it very well. As a small Panasonic reseller (in comparison to some of the stores mentioned here) I'm not even allowed to show an "add to cart" button next to the VT60 & ZT60 models online. Instead of an "add to cart" button I have to show something else like an "authorized" buttton. I have to remove all ability for the customer to check out with these models. I can still sell the item to the customer but they have to either call our 800# or come in. Now if it's an ST60 or below, as long as I follow Minimum Advertised Pricing, I'm ok and can let people check out through my standard online cart. So if you are seeing a small store (someone other than Amazon, Best Buy, Abt, etc) sell these items online and allow you to checkout with them they are probably not an "authorized" Panasonic reseller. If they were, and were getting their product through approved channels, they would not be selling the VT60 or ZT60 models online. Panasonic would remove their ability to purchase the product.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speakerphile

Best Buy and Amazon are not violating any policies by selling these online. ZT was restricted from online sales early on, but that has long since expired. So this isn't a matter of lack of policy enforcement. Are you saying Panasonic is telling you specifically that you cannot transact online, or that your cart system does not meet the requirements set forth in the MAP policy?

My apologies. It appears that I was not clear enough in my post. I think if you reread it you'll see that I never stated Amazon, Best Buy, etc was violating MAP or not authorized to sell the VT60 & ZT60's online. I simply stated that I wished Panasonic would allow me to also sell the higher end sets online. I stated: "As a small Panasonic reseller (in comparison to some of the stores mentioned here) I'm not even allowed to show an "add to cart" button next to the VT60 & ZT60 models online." My statement only applies to small "Authorized" Panasonic resellers. With regard to Amazon, Best Buy, Abt, etc, they all have Panasonic's blessing to sell the higher end models online.

Also, as an FYI.....the restriction to sell VT & ZT60's online was never removed. Panasonic simply chose to bless a few select resellers with an approval to sell those sets online. I am still expressly forbidden to sell those sets online through an online ordering system. There are very few "authorized" resellers that have Panasonic's blessing to sell the VT60 & ZT60 online. Doesn't mean that stores aren't doing it.....just that they aren't following the rules and if someone complains to their Rep that so and so is not following the policy that company will inevitably get call from their Panasonic rep or Panasonic distributor rep stating that if they don't remove the item they'll be cut off.

Pauls TV has the 65ZT60 for $2799 after using NEWYEAR20 coupon but tax is $168. I wish I bought it when it was $2799 on Amazon since there would have not been any tax. I got too greedy.

Do you guys think Amazon will get some ZTs back in or should I just eat the $168 tax and just buy it?

Also, the 65VT60 is available on Amazon for $2295 which is more palatable. I am not am audio/videophile but my living room is a bright room. Can one of the gurus here suggest if I should get the ZT or VT? Thank you.

It's amazing how clueless or negligent the delivery people can be. When I got my TV yesterday, the lone person delivering it wanted to stand the box on one end for it to fit the small trolley he had. When I objected, he said it really should not cause the TV any damage. So I then pointed to the instructions clearly depicted on the box saying the box should NOT be transported standing on one end. His reply was: hummm, so what do you want me to do? I said I'll help you carry the TV inside, with the up side up which is the only way the box should be stored and transported... Unbelievable!

I anticipated this and called the driver before he got to the house. My instructions were to not unbox the tv nor take it out of the truck. If he waited for me to help and allowed me to hook up a DVD player and inspect for damage, dead pixels, or other issues, he would get a $20 tip. Sure enough, he was alone, with only a handtruck, and NO liftgate -- just think how he normally gets these things off the truck by himself. Anyway, he was very nice, and very patient, and I felt the $20 was well worth it for the peace of mind.

Incidentally, I ordered my 65ZT60 around Dec. 24 on Amazon, got an October build, and it is about as perfect as a plasma can get. Quiet, and the screen is nearly blemish free. I can see some ever so slight wee bit of dirty screen effect when doing a screen wipe, but that's only if I'm working hard to see it. I feel mine is as good as they can make it and I'm very happy. I started out on THX cinema and the only complaint is that blacks are inky -- but crushed. So after about 200 hours of break-in I'll try to correct that and play with the settings and a test disk.

My apologies. It appears that I was not clear enough in my post. I think if you reread it you'll see that I never stated Amazon, Best Buy, etc was violating MAP or not authorized to sell the VT60 & ZT60's online. I simply stated that I wished Panasonic would allow me to also sell the higher end sets online. I stated: "As a small Panasonic reseller (in comparison to some of the stores mentioned here) I'm not even allowed to show an "add to cart" button next to the VT60 & ZT60 models online." My statement only applies to small "Authorized" Panasonic resellers. With regard to Amazon, Best Buy, Abt, etc, they all have Panasonic's blessing to sell the higher end models online.

Also, as an FYI.....the restriction to sell VT & ZT60's online was never removed. Panasonic simply chose to bless a few select resellers with an approval to sell those sets online. I am still expressly forbidden to sell those sets online through an online ordering system. There are very few "authorized" resellers that have Panasonic's blessing to sell the VT60 & ZT60 online. Doesn't mean that stores aren't doing it.....just that they aren't following the rules and if someone complains to their Rep that so and so is not following the policy that company will inevitably get call from their Panasonic rep or Panasonic distributor rep stating that if they don't remove the item they'll be cut off.

Hope this clarifies my previous post. Sorry for any confusion.

No need to apologize. This is interesting. I wasn't aware of this restriction. I knew they had tighter distribution on these, but was under the impression that whoever had access to it in the first place could sell online as well. Sorry to hear that. I can see how this would be frustrating.

Though I am an employee of Magnolia Home Theater, the views and opinions I express on this forum are those of my own and not my employer.

Pauls TV has the 65ZT60 for $2799 after using NEWYEAR20 coupon but tax is $168. I wish I bought it when it was $2799 on Amazon since there would have not been any tax. I got too greedy.

Do you guys think Amazon will get some ZTs back in or should I just eat the $168 tax and just buy it?

Also, the 65VT60 is available on Amazon for $2295 which is more palatable. I am not am audio/videophile but my living room is a bright room. Can one of the gurus here suggest if I should get the ZT or VT? Thank you.

I think it is possible that they could find a few units. Is it worth risking for $168? That's a question you have to answer for yourself. I would say that you got a decent deal. Enjoy your TV.

Though I am an employee of Magnolia Home Theater, the views and opinions I express on this forum are those of my own and not my employer.

Pauls TV has the 65ZT60 for $2799 after using NEWYEAR20 coupon but tax is $168. I wish I bought it when it was $2799 on Amazon since there would have not been any tax. I got too greedy.

Do you guys think Amazon will get some ZTs back in or should I just eat the $168 tax and just buy it?

Also, the 65VT60 is available on Amazon for $2295 which is more palatable. I am not am audio/videophile but my living room is a bright room. Can one of the gurus here suggest if I should get the ZT or VT? Thank you.

ZT is better in a bright room due to it's better filter/less reflective panel.

I anticipated this and called the driver before he got to the house. My instructions were to not unbox the tv nor take it out of the truck. If he waited for me to help and allowed me to hook up a DVD player and inspect for damage, dead pixels, or other issues, he would get a $20 tip. Sure enough, he was alone, with only a handtruck, and NO liftgate -- just think how he normally gets these things off the truck by himself. Anyway, he was very nice, and very patient, and I felt the $20 was well worth it for the peace of mind.

Incidentally, I ordered my 65ZT60 around Dec. 24 on Amazon, got an October build, and it is about as perfect as a plasma can get. Quiet, and the screen is nearly blemish free. I can see some ever so slight wee bit of dirty screen effect when doing a screen wipe, but that's only if I'm working hard to see it. I feel mine is as good as they can make it and I'm very happy. I started out on THX cinema and the only complaint is that blacks are inky -- but crushed. So after about 200 hours of break-in I'll try to correct that and play with the settings and a test disk.

Congratulations and enjoy your TV. Mine is still running slides. Love your screen name by the way; Cartman is my hero!

Congratulations and enjoy your TV. Mine is still running slides. Love your screen name by the way; Cartman is my hero!

Cartman had me when he said "Democrats and hippies piss me off."

I too am running a break-in disk overnight and in between regular viewing. I'm at about 90 hours now. I'm sure 50% of the forum would say I'm nuts, but when my wife hits pause and says she'll be back in a minute I grab the remote and put it on screen wipe. I would rather be called paranoid and a snake-oil buyer than live with IR regrets.

Well, the PaulTV stock via Amazon is depleted as of this moment, leaving only the above, Panasonic's own shop with 27 remaining for $3199.99, Paul's TV with 10 remaining for $2899 with the coupon code (best deal remaining), and Best Buy for $3199.98. The "firesale" looks to be coming to a close.

I know it looks, sounds, and smells like not the most trustful of sites, but has anyone had any experience with Buy Squad.com? They have the 65zt60 (or claim to have it) and they're offering it for $2790.99 shipped. Just be careful is all I'm going to say.

If there is any damage to your product, you must refuse the delivery, do not sign for it, and note the damage on the delivery form. You must do this in order for us to file a claim on your behalf and ship you another unit. If you accept the package(s) damaged, the shipping company will not cover damages to the product under their insurance policy. If your merchandise is damaged and you do not notify Customer Service via telephone within 48 hours, you waive all claims with respect to damage and release Buy Squad from liability.

Quote:

The 7 day defective exchange policy does not apply to TVs 32" and larger, any oversized product(s) shipped via our motor freight company (not UPS/FedEx), car audio products, receiver systems and satellite systems (Auto or Home - Including HDTV Receivers). If any of these items are deemed defective, they will be covered exclusively by the manufacturers’ warranties, and you must contact the manufacturer for any repairs. If you need assistance with arranging service, please call us at 1-503-207-0969.

Note: Defective TVs 37" and larger will be serviced by a manufacturer authorized service provider who will be chosen at the sole discretion of the manufacturer. Defective TVs 37” and larger that can not be repaired will be replaced by their manufacturers.

Just bought the floor model 65zt from our local best buy for $2492.00. Salesman said they were entirely out of stock on 65zt with only a few new 60zt's left.
Thought about the smaller set being new but felt I'd always be thinking I should have gone with the bigger set. Hope I made the right choice. It should be delivered on Thursday